Countdown Season 1 Episode 11 Review: Run

Countdown Season 1 Episode 11, “Run,” tests friendships and explores the background of a new character.

This outing isn’t necessarily dull, but it’s hard to say it’s great since there’s barely any progression in the story.

After spending almost the entire season programmed toward one storyline, it’s hard to adjust to something brand new this close to the finale.

A Brand New Face

Where “Run” seems to fail in weaving a whole new story together is by using the same tactic it did with Volchek to introduce Todd, or whatever his real name is. With Volchek, there was plenty of room to play with, build up the thrill, and take the time for us to learn the driving force behind his actions.

After an hour of piecing together and providing the clues that seem to lead to Todd having a psychotic break, the audience is still unsure of his motive. Heck, we don’t even know if Todd is the man the team is after.

All we’ve learned is that he’s been on leave from his job, he likes hunting, his wife is cheating on him with his friend, and he has homicidal tendencies. Even if Todd doesn’t end up being the guy after the president, there’s no question he’s off his rocker a bit.

One thing Countdown does well with the introduction of Todd is not making him outrightly violent or provocative. Instead of being in our face, the series subtly shows how malicious he can be through his interactions with animals.

I’d be lying if I said his slamming his foot on the deer’s skull didn’t make me shudder. And his kidnapping her poor pup in retaliation, only to take it to the woods, and the series insinuates he’s going to shoot it? Jail!

Honestly, after all the gore, destruction, and death we’ve seen this season, this outing’s more malicious moments certainly take it a step further.

It should be a rule that we don’t kill dogs on television if it serves no actual purpose to the story. Even then, that move is pushing the limits for many.

I’m not saying that’s where the series is going to pick up in the next outing, but I don’t like the odds. Countdown has proven that it’s not afraid to take the gore and darkness to new levels.

An Unfortunate Split

While I have been locked into the side of the audience who wants Meachum and Oliveras to get together officially, a complete split between the two does provide for some comedic moments.

Jensen Ackles and Jessica Camacho have an incredible amount of chemistry together on screen. So much so that if Countdown doesn’t get renewed for a season 2, I’m rooting for the two of them to join another series together.

Back to the show, it’s hard to gauge from their interactions whether Meachum and Oliveras dated and broke up at some point within the time jump or if they never took it that far to begin with.

After all, from the sparse interactions we’re privy to, Oliveras doesn’t seem enthralled entirely by Julio. She has a personality that craves adventure and spontaneity, qualities Julio severely lacks.

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Overall, as I said at the beginning of my review, “Run” is an okay outing, but the storyline’s abrupt change feels majorly out of place.

It seems there was a lack of confidence in Volchek being a strong enough character to secure a renewal for season 2. As a result, the series quickly removed him, introduced a new character, and presented new threats to create urgency for a renewal and avoid ending the season on a cliffhanger.

Stray Thoughts:

• While I have my frustrations with where the series is going in these final episodes, I do enjoy the addition of Joe Dinicol.
• I swear, I’m going to be furious if we don’t learn what happened between Bell and Shepherd, if anything, before the end of the season.

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Countdown is available to stream on Wednesdays on Prime Video.

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